Preliminary evidence for a beneficial effect of low-frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with major depression and schizophrenia.

Feinsod M; Kreinin B; Chistyakov A; Klein E

Depress Anxiety 1998;7(2):65-8

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: This Study Was Designed To Evaluate The Potential Efficacy Of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) At Low-frequency In Patients With Major Depression And Schizophrenia. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We Investigated The Therapeutic Effect Of A Course Of 10 RTMS Sessions In 14 Subjects With Major Depression (MD) And 10 With Schizophrenia. PRINCIPAL OBSERVATIONS: Seven Of The Depressed Patients Reported Significanti Mprovement In Depressive Symptomatology, And Seven Of The Schizophrenic Subjects Reported Amelioration Of Anxiety And Restlessness. CONCLUSIONS: These Preliminary Results Suggest That Low-frequency RTMS May Be Beneficial Mainly In MD And To Some Extent In Schizophrenia, And Support The Need For Controlled Studies To Further Validate Its Therapeutic Potential. MAIN MESH HEADINGS: Depression, Involutional/*therapy *Electromagnetic Fields Schizophrenia/*therapy